NEWS: Izzo recalled for Olyroos duties

After touring with the Olyroos to Europe at the start of the month, Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper, Paul Izzo has been recalled in Aurelio Vidmar’s squad (Australian U23) to play Korea Republic next month.

Olyroos Head Coach Aurelio Vidmar has named a 23-player squad for two international friendly matches against the Korea Republic in the Hwaseong and Incheon next month.

Vidmar has selected 13 overseas-based players and 7 Hyundai A-League players which comes as a great boost of confidence for Izzo who has been impressive this Hyundai A-League pre-season.

Central Coast Mariners Head Coach Tony Walmsley said the selection was a great reflection of one of the club’s key mantras and a well deserved cap for 20-year-old Izzo.

“Having players selected in national team squads is an indicator of the type of players we want at the Central Coast Mariners,” Walmsley said.

“Giving youth a chance means preparing for and celebrating when our players are called to represent their country,” Walmsley added.

Last weekend’s draw for the AFC U-23 Championship saw the Olyroos grouped with United Arab Emirates, Vietnam and Jordan and Vidmar can now focus on the task of qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Games.

"These matches are another important step in our preparations for the Olympic qualifiers in January,” said Vidmar.

“Korea Republic will provide strong opposition as we head towards the Qualifiers and gives us the opportunity to work on a few things and keep improving so we give ourselves the best possible opportunity to qualify for the Olympic Games.”

The Olyroos will face the Korea Republic in two friendly matches on 9 and 12 October at the Hwaseong Sports Complex Stadium and Icheon Sports Complex Stadium respectively.

Australia begins its AFC U-23 Championship Doha 2016 campaign against the United Arab Emirates on 14 January at the Grand Hamad Stadium, before taking on Vietnam at the same venue on 17 January, with their final group match against Jordan on 20 January at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium.

Sixteen (16) nations have qualified for the AFC U-23 Championship Doha 2016 with the top three (3) progressing to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games Football tournament.